Patricia A Sidell Vandeschraaf

Born June 22, 1952 in Pekin to William Kenneth and Lenora Agnes (Ubben) Patterson, she married Robert William Sidell on September 21, 1971 in Pekin. She later married Steven Vandeschraaf in 2001.

Surviving are one son, Ben (Becky) Sidell of Pekin; one brother, William Dale Patterson of Phoenix, Arizona; one sister, Chris (Jeff) Mooney of Douglasville, Georgia; four nieces; and two nephews. She also leaves her dog, Jax.

Her parents and one nephew preceded her in death.

Pat was employed at Pekin Hospital from January 3, 1977 until her retirement on April 28, 2015. Following her retirement, she continued on as an instructor to clinical staff for certifications.

She began working part-time for Caterpillar, Inc. in 2012 and was promoted as a fulltime nursing supervisor in January of 2015. She supervised and trained a nursing staff of fifteen fulltime and six part-time. Her teams were located at Mossville, the General Office, and the Proving Grounds. She was also the regional EMS coordinator and was responsible for training EMS and first responders for Caterpillar. In addition to her nursing work, she helped care for her niece who suffered a stroke and was partially paralyzed in 2000.

Pat became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1977 and earned her license as a Registered Nurse in 1991. While at Pekin Hospital, Pat started her nursing career in the Pediatrics unit, then transferred to the Recovery Room and then to the Emergency Room. She held many roles including Staff Nurse, Educator, House Supervisor, ER Clinical Supervisor and ER Charge RN. Pat worked in many areas of the hospital but her first love was the ER where she spent 25 years. Pat was often mentioned in patient satisfaction surveys and honored by her patients, employees, and physicians for her compassion and excellent patient care. Pat coordinated the hospital’s role in emergency disaster management planning with police, fire, ambulance, and public health departments throughout the county. She also volunteered her time helping in community activities that the hospital sponsored or supported.

She received Pekin Hospital’s Nursing Gold Star award in 2004 which is an award nominated by physicians for outstanding nursing care.

Because of her loving and compassionate spirit, Pat touched many lives throughout her career in nursing and life. She was devoted to her family and friends who loved her and will miss her dearly.

Pat enjoyed gardening, cooking, and reading. She was a health enthusiast and enjoyed running, walking her dog, and going to the gym.

Her visitation will be from 3 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Father David Whiteside and Rev. Lloyd Brock will officiate. Private inurnment will be at Lakeside Mausoleum in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Pekin Hospital Foundation, 600 South 13th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com